Slate Accent Pieces in Rock Gardens

by Suzanne Rose

Slate is easily formed into pieces that make ideal accents for a rock garden

A metamorphic and foliated rock, slate is found in many areas of the world including Europe, China and the Americas. Artists and builders have utilized slate to make everything from roofing materials to gravestones. Slate accent pieces in rock gardens can serve a purely aesthetic function or can provide a practical use as well.

Water Fountain

Many homeowners create rock gardens because of their peaceful properties. Adding flowing water can add to this aura. Slate fountains can be purchased or made and come in different shapes and sizes. You may choose one with water cascading down sheets of horizontal slate or a piece of vertical slate with the water falling straight down. Place rocks over the base of the fountain so that it looks as if it is coming right out of the garden, and take care to hide the wires. Make sure that all pieces are rated for the outdoors, especially those that utilize electricity.

Bird Bath

Invite colorful winged creatures to your garden with a slate bird bath. Choose from a piece that sits on a pedestal or one that hangs from a stand, tree or other structure. It can be a simple piece with just a few pieces of slate making the bath or a much more elaborate piece with sheets of slate making up the pedestal. Slate ranges in color and may include purple, green, cyan and the common gray. Use pieces with brighter hues to add color to your rock garden.

Statue

A statue made of slate will add an unusual conversation piece to your rock garden. Choose a sculpture of an animal, a person, an object or an artistic design. You can try your hand at creating your own sculpture for your rock garden by stacking slate pieces and gluing them together.

Table

A table is a common accent piece for rock gardens. Tables can be created with large or stacked pieces of slate. Buy a short table to give an Asian look to your rock garden. Make a larger one and add chairs so that you can dine or relax in your rock garden. Purchase a sturdy piece if you will be eating at it.

About the Author

Suzanne Rose has worked as a copywriter for more than 10 years. She has served in various positions for advertising agencies and marketing departments, with work appearing in print and online publications. Rose specializes in topics related to parenting, crafts, health and business. She holds an M.B.A.

Photo Credits

Have Feedback?

Thank you for providing feedback to our Editorial staff on this article. Please fill in the following information so we can alert the Home Guides editorial team about a factual or typographical error in this story. All Fields are required.